The event -- now in its fourth year -- has expanded to four different nights of portable performances, with the final two trips taking place August 22 and 23.

“It’s a blend of old and new,” musician John Long says.

Durango Business Improvement District executive director Tim Walsworth says the historic railway is one of the city’s top tourist attractions. And he hopes the destination event and its variations serve as a gateway to other cultural activities for visitors.

“The train built the town and today continues to be a huge driver of our local economy, however it’s not the only thing in town,” Walsworth says. “I see events that were once smaller and fledgling that have been able to grow, and you can really see that multiplier effect.”

The Blues Train continues to be a big draw, though.

On a recent outing of the train, Long joined five other musical acts -- local, regional and national talent -- to perform during the roughly three-hour round trip to Silverton.

“I believe in old traditional stuff, but I don’t play museum music," Long says. "I play for now, just like this old train with this new technology."

Producer Steve Gumble and his team transform the nine-car, 280-capacity train two days before it’s scheduled departure, installing lights and sound equipment.

“We’re still a young concept, but we are going on the right direction,” Gumble says.